In the small tavern in Foosha Village, the high-end liquor Makino served was unexpectedly good, and paired with the side dishes Makino made, it had a unique flavor.
After two drinks, Nero casually asked about Nika's whereabouts: "Hmm, there's a child here named Monkey D. Luffy, do you know where he lives?"
Makino's hand paused while she was cooking, but she quickly resumed as if nothing had happened: "I don't know, I haven't heard of that person in the village."
While pouring the dishes onto a plate, she asked, "Is there something you need with a child, Lady Nero?"
"Hmm, nothing much. I am acquainted with his father and grandfather, and since I was passing by, I thought I'd drop in."
That momentary pause was too obvious to Nero's ears, and she immediately confirmed that this girl must know Luffy.
However, Nero didn't expose her. A child was merely a medium to trigger her Observation Haki; she could just take a look while on a walk after dinner.
So, she didn't mind Makino's lie: "Then never mind...chew chew...this steak tastes good, I'll have two more servings."
This steak also suited Kuina's taste. She remained silent, eating with her head down, her chopsticks frequently reaching into this plate.
The atmosphere became more lively. Having previously hosted Shanks, Makino soon realized that Nero was not a bad person in the traditional sense.
Gradually, she completely relaxed and started chatting with Nero.
"Hmm, Shanks' daughter? Uta? That guy could actually get a wife?"
"She's adopted, I knew it!"
"...You seem to care about Shanks a lot. Hmm, could it be that there's something between you two~"
"Mwahahaha, your face is so red. How about it, do you want to go to Nicuss with me?"
"You want to stay here? Hmm, that's also a good choice."
"I am an Emperor! How could I often flatter? I just have compassion for beautiful women!"
Kuina drooped her eyelids, speechless, watching Makino, who had completely let down her guard.
She even suspected that Nero might have been born the wrong gender. If Nero were a man, he would definitely be a promiscuous playboy, as this person was too popular among women.
No, Nero seemed to be highly regarded by men as well.
Kuina slurped her juice, her mind wandering. Could this be the so-called charm of an empress?
Kuina didn't understand, but she was always greatly astonished.
"Hmm, I've eaten enough. I'm going for a walk to digest."
Nero swallowed the last bite of meat in her mouth, drained the wine from the oak cup, and wiped her lips.
"Have a little more, I just opened a bottle of grape wine," Makino said, trying to keep her. Unsure of Nero's purpose, her idea was to minimize contact between the two.
The village chief outside had already informed Luffy's grandfather of the situation here, hoping to stall until Garp arrived to handle it.
A prominent figure like Nero coming here was most likely for this Marine hero.
Luffy himself was just a child; it was inconceivable that he could be connected to someone as important as Nero.
"Don't worry, I wouldn't stoop so low as to harm a child… I really am just passing by to take a look," Nero said softly, her eyelids lowered.
"..." Seeing Nero speak so plainly, Makino didn't know how to persuade her. Their statuses were vastly different, and Nero speaking to her like this was already approachable enough.
Moreover, she felt that Nero probably wouldn't hurt Luffy, but deep down, she still felt it was better to be cautious.
"I can go alone, Hathaway. You two can finish your meal and wait on the ship."
Seeing Hathaway and Kuina also preparing to get up, Nero waved her hand.
For something so ethereal, it was better to go alone.
After speaking, Nero walked straight out the door and headed towards the back mountain of Foosha Village. This area wasn't very large; Nero's Observation Haki had covered the entire territory when she landed.
Luffy's figure had been exposed from the beginning. If he wasn't in the village, he must be among the group in the back mountain.
She had once foreseen the future under extreme Observation Haki. The white figure wearing a straw hat should be this Monkey D. Luffy.
Should she call it the uniqueness of fate? Or did she just see one of the many possible paths of fate? Nero wasn't sure.
Ever since she and Roger reached Raftel, something had been progressing irresistibly.
Nero glanced towards the shore. The Monkey family might be reunited today.
Entering the forest in the back mountain, Nero discovered another child, but it wasn't Luffy, whom she was looking for.
Black curly hair, a small face covered in freckles, and a stubborn yet sad expression. Nero looked at him with an unknown sense of familiarity.
Shaking her head, she wondered if she was tired lately, or if these brats were awakening her maternal instincts?
The child also saw Nero and instantly became wary, clearly recognizing Nero's identity.
Nero wasn't surprised; it would be stranger if there was someone in this world who didn't recognize her.
"Nero Claudius! What are you doing here?" The little boy, Ace, showed extreme vigilance towards Nero.
In this small place, the only one who could possibly have a connection with Nero was himself, so Ace preemptively assumed Nero was looking for him.
"It seems there really are some unknown ties," Nero confirmed, looking at Ace's reaction.
"Do you call a woman by her full name upon first meeting?"
Nero slowly walked towards Ace: "When meeting for the first time, stating your name is basic etiquette."
There was a hateful air of superiority. Was this the former crewmate of that scoundrel?
Unwilling to appear ill-mannered in front of Nero, Ace, mimicking Sabo, straightened his body: "Portgas D. Ace!"
"Ace?" Nero frowned. It truly was a long-unheard name, and with a D. Could it be?
"Hmm, kid, your parents?"
Ace's expression grew colder, the unwelcoming look in his eyes obvious.
"Could your parents be… Roger's admirers?"
Nero concluded: "Indeed, that guy is the Pirate King after all, so it's not strange for him to have one or two admirers, but… hmm…"
Ace's eye twitched. What was going on? Wasn't this person here for him? Was she playing dumb?
Never mind. To avenge Sabo, even if it's the strength of that guy's crewmate, I'll use it!
This person is also a Celestial Dragon, but I heard Garp grumble before that Nero could never truly be of one mind with the Celestial Dragons. So, this is my chance!
Ace didn't know that the Celestial Dragon who attacked Sabo had already been pulverized by Nero, so he put on a blustering smile.
"Hey, Nero! I need your…"
"By the way, do you know where Luffy is?"
Ace: "…"
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